I love creating cards that open with a surprise, like this one. It's a Double Z-Fold card that features all the gorgeous products from the Nature's Poem Suite. Here it is closed...

Bundles: Rooted In Nature Stamp Set + Nature's Roots Framelits Dies (wood: 148352, clear: 146353). Ink: Mint Macaron (147106), Soft Suede (147115), Blackberry Bliss (147092), Rich Razzleberry (147091), So)ft Suede Stampin' Write Marker (Neutrals: 147158), Tranquil Tide Stampin' Write Marker (2017-2019 In Colors: 144033). Card/Paper: Nature's Poem Cardstock Pack (146340), Shimmery White (121717), Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper (146338). Accessories: Nature's Twine (146342), Leaves Trinkets (146343). Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (143263), Magnetic Platform (130658), Aqua Painters (103954), Stampin' Spritzer (126185), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (144108), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430).

And this is the surprise you get when you pull up from the top of the card...

Here's the same card, but with a different selection from the Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper and an alternative sentiment stamped on the front...

These cards feature two watercolouring techniques that are simple to create and fun to do. The first is how to stamp this detailed tree stamp so it looks like it's been painted...

1. Ink the tree trunk and leaves using Stampin' Write Markers
2. Lightly spritz the inked stamp with water
3. Stamp the image onto Shimmery White card stock

How much water you spritz onto the stamp will determine how much the ink will bleed. Try with different amounts of water to get the effect you want.

The second technique is a watercolour wash background. To get this effect...

1. Liberally brush water over Shimmery White card stock with an Aqua Painter
2. Squeeze the stamp pad so that ink pools in the lid, pick up ink with the Aqua Painter and apply over the Shimmery White card stock

By adding a wash of water before applying the colour, the ink will pool and blend rather than adhering immediately to the Shimmery White card stock.

I finished these cards with some intricate details designed to coordinate and compliment the Nature's Poem Designer Series Paper. There's some individual threads pulled from the Nature's Twine, and either a silver or copper leaf embellishment the Nature's Trinkets.

Nature's Twine (146342) - $19.00
1 spool each of 4 colours: Blackberry Bliss, Crumb Cake, Grapefruit Grove, Mint Macaron
4.6 m per spool

Leaves Trinkets (146343) - $16.75
24 pieces: 6 each of copper and silver in 2 designs

The Nature's Poem Suite is one of my favourite product selections from the new 2018-2019 Annual Catalogue. It has a universal appeal with a trees and leaves that are perfect for all occasions, plus it works for both feminine or masculine projects.

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